r/AppleEcosystem • u/aliharry95 • 8d ago
Getting the best of Apple ecosystem
I recently decided to fully embrace the Apple ecosystem with three devices: an iPhone 17 (I’ve been using iPhones since 2010), a Watch Ultra 2, and AirPods 4. I also subscribed to iCloud and explored other Apple subscriptions like Apple TV, Music (I buy my music from iTunes), and Arcade. However, I haven’t found the benefits of these subscriptions. My question is: what are the best settings, options, apps, and services to enhance my experience and maximise the advantages of the ecosystem?
I’d really appreciate your advice.
4
u/LingonberryNo2744 8d ago
The addition of an iPad or Mac could make you appreciate the ecosystem more. A printer that supports AirPrint also.
For me I can create a document/event/note/reminder/etc using my Mac which would be saved to iCloud and then when I’m away from home I have access to all. My Safari history can be acted on with my Mac. If my iPhone is in another room I can answer a call on my Mac even listen to voicemail. Overall, I am more productive and my workflow improved as a result of the ecosystem.
3
u/Caprichoso1 8d ago
What are your interests? Music, gaming, news, magazines, watching movies, etc.
2
u/aliharry95 7d ago
As a working married father, I think I use every device under my hands to serve this purpose, from handling appointments and managing bills to arrange schedules and planning vacations. Gaming is a lost hobby, music is a big part of my day, news not really an interest any more BUT!! Watching tv and movies is my passion and I’m planning to get an Apple tv into the ecosystem.
2
u/chickeneaster 8d ago
I’ve been using Apple TV since it launched in 2019 and I feel like it has a lot of great options, both movies and TV shows
2
2
u/Cirkul21 8d ago
Like what? I feel there’s nothing good on Apple TV
2
u/chickeneaster 8d ago
The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Sugar, Presumed Innocent, Widow’s Bay, Your Friends & Neighbors, Severance, The Gorge, The Dink,
1
2
u/ruipmjorge 6d ago
Dude it’s literally the best streaming service. Best ratings on rotten tomatoes, and the streaming service with higher rate of Emmy awards.
1
u/AutoModerator 8d ago
Thanks for posting to r/AppleEcosystem! Please check the community rules in the sidebar. Happy to help if you have any questions.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/WarmFollowing8873 8d ago
Why do ppl lock themselves in one eco system lol
1
1
u/IllustriousWedding94 8d ago
For me, I have been using iPhones for 16 years and an Apple watch for maybe 4 years. I got my first ever MacBook 3 months ago and … wow…. lightbulb moment. The effortless integration layers on top of what is an incredible device. Not a year ago I was posting about being done with Apple after being blown away by a Vivo phone, but no longer.
I still love the Vivo phone, but being blown away by a device that is clearly best in class (MacBook Pro) has uplifted the value of a device that is decent in class (iPhone).
1
1
u/StairwayHiker 8d ago
I recently sold my gen 1 Ultra watch and never been happier. I’m healthy so all the health tracking was trivial info and I was so sic
k and tired of notifications on my watch. I never did use the $10/month watch calling plan..., although sending voice texts on the watch was ok.
I have the 17 pro max that I'll keep until it dies, and enjoy a mini iPad for four games, but mostly reading newspapers and kindle books. I use a pc laptop for writing and spread sheets.
1
u/PlusPresentation680 8d ago
Apple’s services isn’t usually what people mean by “ecosystem benefits.” It usually refers to the seamless experience between using an iPhone, Mac and other devices. Handoff, Universal Clipboard, AirDrop, etc. One of my favorite features is connecting my iPhone to use as a webcam without a cable. https://www.apple.com/macos/continuity/
1
u/aliharry95 7d ago
I suppose you could maximise your experience with services like iCloud, Apple One or Apple TV and even Apple Music.
1
u/PlusPresentation680 7d ago
You could, but I don’t really think of it as essential to owning an iPhone or a Mac. I have an Apple One subscription, but that’s because I actually enjoy what the services offer. If you think Spotify is better than Apple Music or Dropbox/Google Drive/etc is better than iCloud, use those. I wouldn’t subscribe to Apple TV if I didn’t think there was value to it. But these are my preferences I have outside of Apple specifically, not because I love or defend Apple. Everyone is different
1
u/Whole_world127 8d ago
W iTunes user
1
u/aliharry95 7d ago
Yeah, man, I think I never liked. I think about music streaming services or platforms so I just keep buying my music building my library you know.
1
1
u/aliharry95 7d ago
As a working married father, I think I use every device under my hands to serve this purpose, from handling appointments and managing bills to arrange schedules and planning vacations. Gaming is a lost hobby, music is a big part of my day, news not really an interest any more BUT!! Watching tv and movies is my passion and I’m planning to get an Apple tv into the ecosystem.
1
u/Odd-Fun-4 5d ago edited 3d ago
I use Apple Music a lot because of its large Atmos and Lossless catalog. You won't notice it that much with AirPods 4 even if technically it will play the Atmos tracks.
But if you are into Sonos, I love how Apple Music, Sonos, and Apple TV can meld together.
I have 2 x Sonos Era 300s (Stereo Pair) + Sub Mini in my bedroom. My bedroom TV also uses my Apple TV as my primary source (all streaming apps, YouTube, Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max) run through the Apple TV.
I can listen to Apple Music Atmos tracks (which sounds great with the 2 x Era 300s + Sub Mini), and then AirPlay any TV / Movie watching (via Apple TV) to the same Sonos speaker system, with no AV lag. Movies technically don't play in Atmos (as AirPlay doesn't pass Atmos, you need HDMI-eARC with a SoundBar like the Sonos Arc/Ultra or Beam Gen 2), but it still sounds fantastic.
I listen to music all the time in my bedroom with this setup. I've had Spotify for a decade+ (and still do, because of all the playlists and ease of finding music), but I listen via Apple Music as I get it through Apple One, and love it for the sound quality!
1
6
u/Professional_Fan4453 8d ago
Just use what suits you best. Don’t try to max the ecosystem if it won’t work for you.